Flamengo shift stance with Lucas Paquetá in record pre-Brasileirão outlay | OneFootball

Flamengo have completed the signing of Lucas Paquetá in a deal worth R$ 260 million to West Ham in England, a fee that makes him the biggest signing by a Brazilian club. The move may close the club’s first transfer window and marks a change of approach before the Brasileirão.

Since 2025, under Bap, Flamengo have kept early-window business lean. Last year they added only Danilo and Juninho, the latter for R$ 31 million, then shifted strategy in mid-year to spend almost R$ 300 million. In 2026, with record revenues, they retained the core of last season’s Brazilian and Libertadores champions and targeted specific needs.

Andrew and Vitão arrived before Paquetá, with Vitão costing R$ 65 million including the forgiveness of a R$ 30 million debt owed to Inter, and Andrew at R$ 9.4 million. Even with only three additions, the outlay makes this Flamengo’s most aggressive first window, taking 2026 spending to R$ 334.4 million.

Flamengo are still assessing options for a centre forward, but it is not a priority. “We do not want a striker, we want the striker. He must have certain characteristics, fit the model of play, it is not just a striker to be Pedro’s understudy. He would have different characteristics and he is not easy to find. If we do not find him, we will not sign just to say we have a finisher.” He was speaking to sportv.

Since 2019, only two first windows were similarly restrained, in 2021 with Bruno Viana on loan and in 2023 with Gerson signed for R$ 85 million.

Source: Globo.com